10 Questions to Ask a Church

Whether you are seeking out a new church, concerned about your current one, or generally not sure what “The Church” is even supposed to be, here are ten biblically based questions to help guide you through the process.

1. Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught?

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16–17). 2.

2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayer (Acts 2:42).

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Tim. 4:3–4). 3.

3. Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?

4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:18–20).

5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity? (see 1 Tim. 3)

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2).

6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God’s Word?

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22).

7. Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?

8. Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11–12).

9. Is this a church that is willing to kick me out? (see 1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2)

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you (1 Cor. 5:1–2).

10. Is this a church I’m willing to join “as is” with enthusiasm and faith in God?